In some cases, you may want a pet despite your parents' dissent. While it is not recommended to hide an animal from your family, you may have already adopted one. You will eventually confess what you did, but in the meantime, you can hide your new friend for a few days, keeping him away from prying eyes, cleaning when he gets dirty and covering his smell. Success takes a lot of effort, and some animals are harder to hide than others. However, if you really want to try, follow the advice in this article to prevent you or your pet from getting into trouble.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Hide the Evidence
Step 1. Decide where to keep the pet secret
You should find a place that is large enough to house the specific pet and that your parents don't frequent. Also think about an emergency hiding place, in case they decide to use the first space you find. Do not let the animal out of that place. Here are some ideas:
- Your bedroom
- The cellar
- An unused garage
- The backyard of the house (if it is a caged animal or a cat)
Step 2. Hide the pet at someone else's house
If you are unable to do this in your home, you can ask a friend to keep the pet for you. Make sure you take care of the food, toys and bed. Promise you will find a new home for the four-legged guest if your parents won't let you bring him to you. This is best for larger animals, such as cats and dogs.
Step 3. Put some air fresheners where you keep the pet
Animals often leave bad smells. If you do not take care of this detail, the smell will arrive throughout the house in a short time, alarming your parents. Make sure you always clean the pet's room and use deodorants to combat the stench.
Do not leave scented candles burning in the room, as they pose a fire risk
Step 4. Soundproof the room
It is important to make sure that your parents cannot hear the pet. Dogs bark and cats meow, while hamsters run nonstop on creaking wheels. While you can't perfectly soundproof a room, you can minimize the noise.
- Try putting cork boards or foam squares on the walls (you can buy both at home improvement stores). You can decorate them, so that they do not attract suspicion.
- Put a rug under the door to prevent sounds from passing through the crack.
- You can also block out the noise by leaving your stereo or television on when you are not at home. Put them on medium volume. If they were too loud, your parents could come in to shut them down.
Step 5. Buy your pet supplies
You won't be able to ask your parents to buy you a cot or food. Save some money so you can shop all by yourself. Animals usually need food, a bowl or bottle for water, and a place to sleep. Some require a cage.
- Dogs need a bed, blankets, chew toys, kibble, a leash, food and water bowls.
- Cats need scratching posts, food, water and food bowls, dry food, a litter box, sand and a bed.
- Small rodents, such as guinea pigs, hamsters and mice need a cage, dry food pellets, fresh vegetables, a water bottle, straw (to line the cage), toys such as wheels and tunnels, as well as a soft bed.
- Reptiles and snakes need a glass terrarium, UVB lamps, food (pellets or live prey), rocks and plants.
Step 6. Clean when the animal dirties
Animals shed their hair and can leave them on rugs, chairs, sofas, and clothing. Use a roller to pick them up. Vacuum to remove hair, wood chips and food crumbs. Clean the room at least once a week, making sure you dust and disinfect it.
- If you don't have a hair roller, you can also use masking tape. Take a few inches of tape and attach it to the surface with the hairs. Tear off to remove evidence of the animal's presence.
- Do not use disinfectants that contain ammonia. Dogs and cats do not like the smell of this substance, which can lead them to urinate all over the place!
Step 7. Make a plan B
Even if all goes well, most animals can't spend too much time in hiding. You shouldn't go beyond two weeks. If you think your parents are ready to negotiate, show them your new friend and explain how you have taken great care of him. If you still don't get what you want, make sure you find a good family to entrust the pet to.
Method 2 of 5: Hide a Dog
Step 1. Take the dog out when your parents are not home
These animals have to spend a lot of time outdoors. For them it is important to exercise and they must also do the needs. For these reasons it is very difficult to hide them; do not think you can always keep them at home. Wait for your parents to come out to take your four-legged friend out. You can also wake up early in the morning and do it before others wake up. They may see it when you enter and leave the house, so be careful. Use a back door if possible.
Step 2. Teach your dog not to go to the house
Frequent accidents around the house are an unequivocal clue to your parents, especially if they smell or find evidence. In principle, you will have to take the animal out every two hours. Reward him with a treat when he breaks free. This will encourage him to only do it outdoors.
If your dog gets dirty in the house, you should definitely clean up right away. Use scented disinfectants to cover up the odor
Step 3. Train your dog not to bark
It is impossible to hide a noisy animal from its parents. When he starts barking, give him a treat and say "shut up". Food will cause him to stop barking for the time being. Soon, he should stop doing this whenever he hears the "shut up" order.
Dogs always bark. They do this to protect their territory, because they are scared, sick or bored. There is no proven method to get them to stop barking altogether, so make sure the room is soundproofed
Step 4. Wash the dog blankets on their own
Do not throw clothes full of hair in the laundry basket. You will have to wash them in the washing machine. Set the dirty blankets and sheets aside until you are fully loaded.
Step 5. Wash your dog outside the house
You might be tempted to do this in the bathtub, but that way you could get all over the place and your parents might catch you. If you can, take it outside and wash it with a pump or a bucket filled with water. Comb his fur before starting and use a dog shampoo. Make sure it is dry before bringing it home and if possible wash it when your parents are out.
Method 3 of 5: Hide a Cat
Step 1. Purchase dry and non-wet food
Wet cat food often consists of strong smelling fish. Open cans that you would be forced to leave around the house may give off a suspicious stench. Also, wet food attracts more unwanted animals, such as flies or cockroaches. Give preference to kibble.
Step 2. Camouflage the litter box
There are many creative ways to do this. The simplest is to cut a cat-sized square from a cardboard box. Place the box upside down on top of the litter box. The hole will be a door for the animal. Place a blanket over the box, making sure the side with the entrance is open. You can also hide it behind other furniture. Just check that the cat can get in and out without difficulty.
Step 3. Wash the litter box twice a week
Remove the feces every day and change the sand twice a week. Empty it in a different bag than the one you use for the rest of the trash, otherwise your parents may see the sand and understand that you are hiding a cat. Once the litter box is clean, immediately take the bag to a bin. Wash it with a mild soap and water. Make sure you rinse it off completely.
Step 4. Buy a scratching post
Cats have a natural urge to scratch. If they don't have a suitable item, they will sharpen their nails on the furniture. Your parents will no doubt notice the presence of a cat if they see scratch marks all over the place! Buy some toys that he can spoil without a problem.
Method 4 of 5: Disguise a Cage
Step 1. Invest in a real cage
Some animals, such as hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, lizards, and snakes must live in cages. You may be tempted to let them loose in your room or to create a makeshift den in a drawer or closet. Do not do it. The animal may run away or not have enough air to breathe. If your parents find it around the house, they might think it's a wild animal and throw it out. Always buy a real glass cage or case.
- You can keep rabbits and guinea pigs in plastic cages.
- Hamsters and mice can live in metal cages.
- Fish live in tanks or aquariums. Some need lights.
- Reptiles live in glass terrariums. They need UVB lamps.
Step 2. Hide the cage in a corner or closet
You can put it in a corner of the room and arrange the furniture so it can't be seen. Likewise, if the closet is large enough, you can try to make it fit there. Make sure you leave the door open enough for air to enter.
Some animals don't like to stay in the dark all the time. Leave the light on in the closet or make sure there is a small lamp attached to the cage
Step 3. Place the cage on a high shelf
Few cages are small enough to fit under the bed, but you may be able to keep them out of sight on a shelf. Make sure you can reach it without any problems. Use books and other objects to hide it. This solution is best suited to small cages, such as those for hamsters, reptiles or a fish pan.
Step 4. Cover the cage with a blanket
If you have a cage for a guinea pig or rabbit, then cover it up to hide it largely. Make sure there is at least one free wall so the animal can breathe and look outside. If the cage can hold them, place light objects, such as notebooks or jewelry boxes, on top of it to further disguise it.
If you have an aquarium, metal hamster cage, or reptile terrarium, this is not a good idea, as the top may be used to let in oxygen, lamp cords, or for physical activity
Step 5. Clean the cage weekly
You should remove the excrement every day, but at least once a week clean the inside thoroughly. Move the animal to another box, remove the straw and throw it in a plastic bag, then immediately take it to a bin outside the house. Wash the cage with dish soap and water or a mix of water and vinegar. Let it dry, put the straw and the animal back in place.
- If you have a reptile in a terrarium, be sure to spray disinfectant on the glass.
- If you have a fish, put it in another tank filled with water. Remove all debris and put in fresh water before moving the fish again.
Step 6. Turn off the lights at night
For animals that need light, you can turn it off when it gets dark. Most reptiles require sunlight during the day, but total darkness at night. The same is true for almost all fish. You can give them a few hours of light at night before turning off the aquarium lamps. This is also useful for not risking your parents seeing suspicious lights at night.
Always carefully check the signs for the breed or species of animal you own. Some require more light than others, sometimes even at night
Method 5 of 5: Reveal the Presence of the Animal
Step 1. Clean the pet's cage or bed
When you reveal his presence to your parents, you need to make a good impression. If possible, give him a bath. Clean his cage and wash his sleeping place. Make sure the whole room is tidy. If your parents see that you know how to take care of him, they will be more inclined to let you keep him.
Step 2. Find an alternative home
In case your parents tell you no, make sure you have a backup plan ready. Find a friend or relative who is willing to take care of your pet for you. Offer him everything he needs. Avoid taking the animal to a shelter if you have other options.
Step 3. Think ahead of what to say
Make sure you are mature and calm when showing the pet to your parents. Since this is a sensitive subject, write down what you want to say. Try repeating it in front of the mirror a couple of times.
Step 4. Sit down with your parents
The best time to talk to them is at home when no one is distracted. Tell them you want to talk and ask them for a moment. Don't do this when driving, cooking or tidying up. Try dinner.
Be careful if you want to talk to them as soon as they get home from work. They may be tired or stressed. Wait for them to relax before starting the conversation
Step 5. Talk
Be sincere and direct. Explain that you took care of the animal and that you did it in the best way. If they haven't found you, point out that the animal isn't as loud or smelly as they thought. Admit that you broke the rules and apologize. Ask if you can keep the animal, promising you will take care of it.
- For example, you could say, "I found a kitten who needed a home. For the past two weeks, I have been taking care of her in my room. She is very sweet and I have taken care of it myself. I hope I can continue to do so. I know I have betrayed your trust, but please, can I keep it? ".
- If your parents tell you no, you have to accept the consequences. Give the pet to another family with all its toys, food and cot. You could be put into detention.
Step 6. Show your parents the pet
Take him out of the room. Let them pick it up and touch it. If they develop an emotional bond with him, they may be persuaded to keep him.
Advice
- Try to hide the animal from view, to cover its smell and noises.
- Find out if anyone in the family is allergic to animals. Ask why you can't get one. There may be a good reason why your parents tell you no.
- You won't be able to hide the animal forever. Think of a plan to tell your parents what you are doing.
Warnings
- If you get caught you can get in serious trouble. Nobody likes to be deceived.
- Not all animals are safe, and yours may bite, scratch, or sting you. Don't choose a dangerous animal, such as a poisonous snake.
- If the animal gets sick, don't try to cure it yourself. Veterinary visits are expensive. Confess to your parents that you are hiding an animal and ask them if they will help you take it to a vet.
